Thompsons Ghost Beach - Abandoned Village Lost to the Sea - Hiking South Jersey

Deep in the isolated salt marshes of the New Jersey Bayshore in historic Cumberland County, lie the last remains of Thompsons Beach a once thriving seaside community. Join me for an exploration of this fascinating place where I will discuss how the town became abandoned and show what remains of it today. The hike begins at the terminus of a dead end road (Thompsons Beach Rd) where there is a small parking area and wildlife observation platform. A crushed gravel path then leads through the marshes 3/4 of a mile to the Delaware Bay Shoreline. Many birds can be heard and seen from the path here, especially in spring and fall. Once you reach the beach you are free to roam for about a half mile in each direction observing what remains of Thompsons Beach. PLEASE use caution here, there is much construction debris in spots and many sunken obstacles below the water. Also be wary of the tides, high tide has been known to overtake the path to the shore. Also be wary of the notorious biting flies which can be essentially unbearable at times. And finally I implore you if you visit to keep things as they are so that others in the future may also enjoy them. If us citizens who use these places are not willing to protect them we can't expect anyone else to. Happy Hiking my friends.
MUSIC - 330 AM by Christian Anderson
Scintilla by David Celeste
Astral Roar by Lama House
Sibyl by Hushed
Cold Shores by Elm Lake
Salt Lake Seagull by Chris Shards
All music sourced through Epidemic Sound
CAMERAS - GoPro Hero 8 4k 24fps
Go Pro Hero 9 4k 24fps
DJI Mini 2 4k 24fps
SOFTWARE - Wondershare Filmora
THUNBNAIL - Canva

Пікірлер: 42

  • @mountainsintomemories
    @mountainsintomemories2 жыл бұрын

    Very cool place, and would be an amazing experience to be out there on that secluded beach. I had no idea a place like that would exist in NJ! Thanks for mentioning our channel, we very much appreciate it!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    One of my favorite things about doing this channel is discovering so many places that I never knew about. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

  • @randomadventures2.0
    @randomadventures2.02 жыл бұрын

    Wow, Wow and WOW!! BEAUTIFUL Brother! Super awesome video and you are bringing it 🔥 💯. Thanks for the shout out as well.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Appreciate that buddy, and I was glad to give your channel a mention!

  • @rwatsonv
    @rwatsonvАй бұрын

    I was out there around 1998 and there was still structure and a few houses there. The special part was a Monarch Butterfly migration coming through.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    29 күн бұрын

    An interesting but sad history of this place, and eventually it will all be completely gone, such is the cycle of life...

  • @alanhykes8777
    @alanhykes87772 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful Photography, Walter! Thank You for helping me get through a central Pa winter!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Alan for watching and commenting. Being located in the eastern part of the state allows me easier access to some of these interesting locations along the Atlantic ocean and Delaware Bay. I definitely look for places to film break up the monotony of the dull grey and brown winter season.

  • @gaylenealis7268
    @gaylenealis72682 жыл бұрын

    Cool place to see and explore. Thanks for showing us that place!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    I'm always looking for something different, especially around this time of year where everything around here turns grey and brown and so dull. Thank you Gayle !

  • @rbpat52
    @rbpat522 жыл бұрын

    What a tragic and hauntingly beautiful place. Another masterpiece Walter. Thank you for taking us with you. Just stunning work on your part.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    I think you summed it up perfectly with your description of the place. I'm truly humbled and appreciative of your kind words. I put alot of effort into this one but I enjoyed every step of the process.

  • @kateclark7250
    @kateclark72502 жыл бұрын

    This is a wonderful video, Gator. An awesome place, and your drone work really shows it off. And you had the place to yourself... just you and nature. Thank you for sharing this adventure with us. Please have a blessed Christmas. I'll see you next year if not before.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Kate, I'm already researching new places to explore in the new year. I always appreciate your kind words and insights, and merry Christmas to you as well.

  • @gracegarden1
    @gracegarden1 Жыл бұрын

    This was a while back, but I just saw it now and had to say what a great episode. I'm from NJ originally, and have been over every inch, I thought, especially the shoreline, and have never even heard of this special place. Thanks for sharing. Peace & Prayers.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    Жыл бұрын

    Yea, this was a relatively new discovery for me as well, and a pretty awesome place. Great place to watch a sunset and very close to east point light house another awesome spot on the bay. Surprisingly dark skies there at night as well if you are into astronomy. Appreciate you Gracegarden, thanks for checking out some of the back videos!

  • @brookeshaffer4377
    @brookeshaffer43772 жыл бұрын

    Another authentic adventure and great host🌟Thanks Walter✨

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Brooke I appreciate your watching and commenting. This was definitely a neat place to explore!

  • @bellewoods7188
    @bellewoods71882 жыл бұрын

    Absolutely loved the drone footage for a different view of the salt marsh. Fascinating history of this forgotten town. Glad you got a beautiful sunset out of the trip. Happy Holidays to you and your family!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Happy holidays to you as well! Yea I gotta say the drone is a real game changer. It allows me to really show these places in a way I simply can't do with the Gopro. I appreciate your support Belle Woods, it means alot to me, thank you.

  • @bobairhart8175
    @bobairhart81752 жыл бұрын

    I enjoy your videos very much Raystown Lake in Central PA has been lowered by 9 feet exposing some interning finds I found you though Wandering Woodsman

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Bob I appreciate that very much, hopefully I will be able to make it out to Raystown Lake at some point this year, its nice countryside out there.

  • @daviddisandro821
    @daviddisandro82123 күн бұрын

    I worked for a man who had a TV store in souderton, pa. his summer home was one of the last remaining row of homes in Thompson's beach. it is a beautiful area. a lot of horseshoe crabs

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    22 күн бұрын

    Thanks for sharing that, it's a small world!

  • @notloganparker
    @notloganparker2 жыл бұрын

    Never knew about this! Thanks for sharing, nice video

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for checking out the video and leaving a comment it's much appreciated, definitely a cool place to check out if you ever get the chance.

  • @johntellmewhy
    @johntellmewhy4 ай бұрын

    That's a great video!!!!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    4 ай бұрын

    Thanks, that place is really neat, I had great time exploring there. It's a great little off the radar spot to look around or just find some peace and quiet...

  • @GraceConoshenti
    @GraceConoshenti2 ай бұрын

    I remember the flood of 1950. I was five my younger sister was three. We lived in Fortescue. My mother & father was in the front seat of our new car and my older sister Jane, Pat and I were crammed in the back. We were terrified, There were deep ditches on both sides of sides of the car. Then there was marsh. We had to follow the car ahead, and make sure we knew where the telephone poles were supposed to be. I got up early that day and went down stairs and looked out the windows to see the bay between the houses. Then I ran up the stairs as fast as I could like my older sisters did. I saw a sheet of water crashing in from the bay.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for sharing that story, that must have been a terrifying experience. I have heard Fortescue has a nice little beach that one can walk and catch a nice sunset. I hope to visit there sometime...

  • @ianrumnock6837
    @ianrumnock68372 жыл бұрын

    😎😎😎 Amazing brotha !!! I gotta check that place out

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    It's definitely a unique place to check out. One of those off the beaten path type places. Definitely a different kind of "Jersey shore".

  • @HikerDudeDad
    @HikerDudeDad2 жыл бұрын

    Happy holidays, Walter!!! Thanks so much for the mention. I made sure I was subscribed to the rest of these fine creators, and I can't wait to take a hike with you. I'm really feeling out to be mentioned with these other creators... I feel like Ant-Man, in awe of the rest of these Hiking Avengers! Beautiful video as always. That fireplace was incredibly eerie. I've really loved your Jersey beach videos. It is amazing that there are abandoned stretches amongst the hustle and bustle of the Wildwoods and such. My best to you and yours this holiday, and I'll see you (for real) in early 2022!!!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Happy holidays to you and your family as well Hiker Dude Dad. Looking forward to meeting up for a project soon, and thanks for your comments! And yes, southern jersey does have some real hidden gems, I have a few more spots eyed up for 2022.

  • @barrygraber9776
    @barrygraber97762 жыл бұрын

    Another spectacular journey!! Thanks for sharing. I must say the quality of your videos are right up there with National Geographic Well done. Merry Christmas and a most happy and healthy New Year

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Barry that's quite the compliment. Happy holidays to you as well!

  • @EvaOstrava
    @EvaOstrava2 жыл бұрын

    Happy hiking in the New Year!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Same to you and your family Eva, thanks for being part of the channel, hope you have a great New Year!

  • @rgdodson
    @rgdodson2 жыл бұрын

    Great video footage, great drone footage, great story, great music. I guess I would say it was another great presentation! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Walter.

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ron and happy holidays to you and your loved ones as well.

  • @Forgvn.Adventures
    @Forgvn.AdventuresАй бұрын

    I visited yesterday but didn't take the walk to the bay (96 degrees). Note that the observation deck is updated. Metal railings & trex type decking. Also, i saw baby osprey in the nests! I initially saw this video some time ago. Thank you for tue wonderful footage!

  • @WALTERZOLNA

    @WALTERZOLNA

    Ай бұрын

    Thanks for the update. I need to get back there again sometime, it's a really neat place...